I feel like Marti Pello ... Today was Wet, Wet, Wet - having had no rain at all on the way to the Algarve this was expected but still Hideous !
I was on the road at 9:30 with a straight 900ft climb over the saddle of the Sintra Serra, it was pretty busy till I reached the motorway when most of the traffic turned off and I continued up the climb.
Near the top I got a great glimpse of the Western edge of the Cascais headland hundreds of feet below and stretching out along the Atlantic Coast.
After 9 miles I was at the top and turned left, losing about half of my elevation to visit Cabo da Roca, which is Mainland Europes most Westerly Point.
As I approached I could see the lighthouse below with the Atlantic its backdrop. I passed the Lighthouse and there was a Monument on the cliff edge marking the exact Longitude and Latitude.
There were also 3 coach loads of Japanese/Korean Tourists all over the Clifftop. I eventually managed to shoot a video to mark the occasion and take some pics.
I then had to reclimb the elevation I had just lost and as I left the rain started, having climbed 15% gradients I stopped at the junction on the top road to take shelter from rain in a very colourful Bus Stop.
After 10 mins it eased and I continued along the coast to the spectacular town of Azenhas do Mar.
A brief stop at Praia das Macas where yhe waves were pounding the shore and I was at Azehas - I stopped and walked to the Miradouro which offered amazing views of the town which is literally hanging onto the side of the cliff.
I have cycled Nazare to Lisbon several times but always inland via Torres Vedras and it is extremely lumpy - the coastal route is even worse !
Other than the multiple climbs tge weatger really deteriorated as I approached Ericeira where a 2nd Bus Shelter was required !
The sun then briefly showed its face as I took coffee in Ericeira, which looked a beautiful, authentic Portuguese town, but as I left the rain continued.
Two more bus shelters required in Silveira and by now the rain was drenching.
Onward to Lourinha where anither coffee was required just for my sanity !
I've been to Lourinha before and it's famous for fossils and theres loads of Dinosaur Statues around town, none of which I photograhed as sonce Ericeira 20 mikes back the phone gadnt made an appearance in the downpour.
Two last climbs making a total of 18 in 70 miles !
At Sao Bartolomeu de Galegos a wagon had slipped off the road in the rain and was lying at an awkward angle half in a field and only feet away from a Power line.
Next was a fantastic descent via a great hairpin through a gorge and down into Rolica, none of which I could photograph due to the heavy rain.
5 more miles and I was in the fabulous ancient walled castle town of Obidos, but you'll just have to take my word for that as it was sunset as I arrived and by the time I had showered and dried everything I didnt get any pics ... hopefully in the mirning as I leave !
Dinner was in the Prohibition Bar with a very British Fish and Chips whilst I watched the Madrid Derby and enjoyed a really good football chat with a local .. of course all in Portuguese 😁